It`s a Jungle Out There - Pinellas County Extension

It’s a Jungle Out There
By Jane Morse, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Pinellas County
September VOL. 12 ISSUE 9
Inside this Issue:
2
It’s a Jungle Out There
(continued)
3
Black Twig Borer
4
A Garden Visit
5
Harvest Moon
6
FBG Foundation Update
Touchable Textiles
7
New Volunteer Services
Incentives
8
Facebook
Volunteer Benefits
9
Volunteer Opportunities
and Announcements
10 Plantetcetera
Volunteer Opportunities
Continued
11 Discount Nurseries
12 Calendar
Have you ever wondered “what is wrong with this plant?” or “what is this insect,
where did it come from and now what do I do?” or “oh my, what are these black,
shiny, wormy looking things on the floor?” We hear questions like these every day
at the Lawn and Garden Help Desk, supported by the University of Florida and
Pinellas County, and we can usually answer your questions - free of charge.
Recently, we have seen a rash of frangipani or plumeria rust fungus. This disease
produces a mass of tiny pockets of rust colored spores on the undersides of the
leaves. Infected leaves become yellow-spotted on top and fall off the tree. This
disease is most commonly seen during the mid to late part of summer. Although it
may look rather menacing it normally does not cause any serious problem for the
plant. Since the leaves are getting ready to drop off for the fall anyway, spraying
with a fungicide is usually not warranted. It is best to pick up or rake away any
infected fallen leaves and dispose of them in the trash. This will help to reduce the
amount of spores available to re-infest the tree at a later date.
If you are seeing chewed frangipani leaves you probably have the tetrio sphinx or
frangipani hornworm caterpillar
feeding on them. This is a black
caterpillar with yellow stripes that
gets quite large and is usually seen
here between July and September.
Since leaves will be dropping soon
why not let the caterpillar have them,
as it helps to fertilize the ground with
its frass.
Several plant species such as
lantana, chrysanthemum, gaillardia,
bidens and aster are commonly
attacked by blotch leaf miner in the
summer. The symptom tends to look
more like a disease than an insect, but spraying a fungicide will be a waste of time
and money since it is an insect causing the browning. The leaf miner is a very tiny
worm that feeds between the top and bottom layers of the leaf, so it is protected from
insecticides applied to the surface of the leaf. It eats its way around in the middle of
the leaf as it grows and causes the blotchy discoloration. It looks bad and it may
cause a few leaves to drop off, but it is not really harmful to the plant. If you want to
treat this problem it has to be done before the damage starts to show. If you have had
this problem in the past and can’t tolerate it, apply a systemic insecticide just before
midsummer. Insecticides can only be applied to edible plants if they are listed on the
label.
Chilli thrips are having a heyday
on several types of plants. Some of
their favorites are roses, Indian
hawthorn, sweet viburnum, snow
bush, begonia, golden dewdrop. For
pictures of thrips and the damage they
can cause, as well as valuable tips on
controlling them, go to http://
mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/thripslinks.htm
or google IFAS chilli thrips.
The Green Leaf is
published by Pinellas County
Extension for Master
Gardeners and others. The
monthly newsletter depends
on submission of articles from
Master Gardeners, Extension
staff and other authors.
Please submit articles and
photographs to
[email protected]
The Green Leaf and archives
are available on-line by
clicking on newsletter
MANAGING EDITOR:
Chuck Scaffidi, MG
Volunteer
We are especially
appreciative of staff, MGs,
and others who contribute
articles, events and other
items of interest to The Green
Leaf each month. Please
submit by the 20th of each
month. This will help us
assemble and publish the
newsletter in a timely manner.
Articles should be 700-800
words or less. If you would
like a copy of any photograph
printed in the newsletter,
contact MG Editor Chuck
Scaffidi at 727 582-2117.
[email protected]
An unusual and very tiny black or dark brown Brahminy blind snake has been
showing up lately, too. This snake originated in Asia and is able to self-fertilize,
so it doesn’t need a mate to reproduce. It is actually blind as it lives mostly
underground where it eats termites and ant larvae. It is about the size of an
earthworm, but instead of being smooth it has snake scales. Remember that
native snakes are extremely important in the ecosystem. Some provide good
rodent control and all are a food source for other critters, so please let them live.
A great resource about snakes can be found at http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/
herpetology/fl-guide/onlineguide.htm. Or you can google Florida snakes.
Frogs are also very important in our ecosystem and are good indicators of
environmental health. They love Florida’s wet summers. Be on the lookout for
highly invasive and damaging frogs such as Cuban tree frogs which eat our native
frogs. Since frogs can be quite vocal, it is sometimes easier to identify a frog by
its croak or call. There is a really fun website where you can listen to a frog’s call
and see what it looks like. Visit either http://
www.hillsborough.wateratlas.usf.edu/fln/ or http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/
wildlife_info/faq/frogstoads.php#Frog_Pics. Even easier, simply google frog
listening network or ifas frogs.
Also showing up along with our heavy
summer rains are millipedes and centipedes.
When the soil gets saturated with water they
must come up for air and sometimes they end
up crawling inside our homes. They don’t
cause any damage other than possibly giving
the resident a fright. They can be swept up
and placed back outside. Make sure you
have good weather stripping on doors, as this
will help to keep them out of the house.
Pesticides can also be applied. See this
publication for more information: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig093 or google ifas
millipedes.
At this time of year, invasive plants such as Brazilian pepper, potato vine,
Lantana camera, torpedo grass, carrotwood, melaleuca and Australian pine are
sprouting and growing like mad. Although you probably won’t see the damage
these cause in your own yard because you keep it mowed, these plants wreak
havoc in native areas (especially wetlands) and parks. They can quickly overtake
an area, disrupt the food chain, decrease the number and quality of species,
change nutrient cycling and alter the habitat structure. They are also very
expensive and time-consuming to try to control.
Follow these guidelines to keep invasive species from spreading: Remove and
treat all invasive plant species; never release aquarium fish and plants – return
them to an aquarium shop or donate them to a school; stop aquatic hitchhikers by
cleaning your boat, propeller and gear before leaving a launch area; keep pets at
home and indoors – if you no longer want your pet contact, a club or rescue
group, or take it to the Humane Society; make sure all plants and produce brought
into Florida are inspected for exotic pests or fruit flies.
Remember that we have answers to your questions about things you may
find or be curious about in our urban jungle. It is a fascinating place to
explore, with an abundance of critters and plants to learn about. You can visit
us in person at Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo any
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can call the Help
Desk from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays or
Thursdays. Or you can visit our frequently asked questions website
at www.AskExtension.org.
2
Andy’s Update: Black Twig Borer
By Ellen Mahany, MG
Master Gardeners anticipate Andy’s Update at each monthly MG meeting, not only for the learning experience
and the challenge, but also for Andy Wilson’s masterful presentation. He increases our knowledge while offering
surprises and humor to keep us on our toes. Beginning with this issue of Greenleaf, an excerpt from the latest
complete update will be discussed in the Andy’s Update column. In no way can it be considered a substitute for the
original exhilarating experience, but its purpose, like the update itself, is to provide valuable information.
The long, hot Florida summer is a time of great activity for the tiny Black Twig Borer (Xylosandrus compactus), which
drills, in Andy’s words, ”a machine-like hole” into the underside of small twigs of many host trees, most notably the red
maple.
From the FBG parking lot, we can see the red maple in front of the extension building currently showing the obviously
aesthetic damage caused by this insect’s invasion, clusters of brown leaves among the healthy greenery.
Close up and entire views of the infested Red Maple Tree
Two days after Andy’s Update at the August Master Gardener meeting, a client brought in twigs with wilted leaves
from a camphor tree infested by the same black twig borer. It attacks healthy as well as damaged trees, and although it will
not generally kill a tree, it will retard growth and affect appearance.
Side view and overview of female black twig borer with larvae in chamber (Credits: U of
F).
The female of the species bores entrance holes in twigs to create a nest for her eggs. She measures about 1/16 of an inch
and the round entrance holes about 1/32 an inch in diameter. She lays loose eggs and produces a white fungus to nourish
the emerging creamy white grubs, which grow to about the same length as the adult. Development from egg to adult takes
about a month. The typical number of adults in a brood is ten to fifteen, although the number could reach forty.
3
Entrance to the brood chamber (left) and brood adults in chamber (Credits: U of
F).
Adults reach the height of population between June and September and overwinter in damaged sections of trees.
To minimize unsightly die back and prevent further damage from the Black Twig Borer’s invasion, it is necessary to
prune infected twigs and branches and remove them from the area.
The information in this article is based on Andy’s update and his recommended publication on line: http://
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in577. The complete Andy’s Update for August as well as previous updates is available at the Master
Gardener VMS.
A Garden Visit
University of South Florida Botanical Gardens
By Debra Kramer, FBG Volunteer
If I had to choose one word to describe the University of South Florida (USF) Botanical Gardens it would be relaxed.
This garden invites you to kick back and unwind. It is located on the main USF campus in Tampa on the shore of Lake
Behnke.
As you would expect from a university-affiliated garden, the focus is on education. Student-run vegetable gardens,
rain barrel set-ups and bee hives are displayed in one section. You can picture groups participating in hands-on activities
here. Other areas include a temperate forest, succulents and a meditation garden.
The general mood of this garden is park-like and natural. There is little hardscape and paths are mulched. A wonderful outdoor area is set up with tables and
equipment for potting plants or sowing
seeds (see photo).
Benches placed
throughout the gardens invite you to stay
awhile.
The indoor conservatory is a must-see
at the garden. The brick floor with the
wood slatted framed roof creates a rustic
space for an indoor water feature and
orchid display.
The USF Botanical Gardens accepts
your FBG Foundation card for free admission. A small selection of plants is
available for purchase. Enjoy a peaceful
stroll through this university garden and
you will leave feeling relaxed and more
informed about gardening. For further
information, the web site is
www.cas.usf.edu/garden.
4
HARVEST MOON
August 23 – September 22
By Jude Bagatti, MG Volunteer
The awesome Harvest Moon is the last moon of the year having Shawnodese as its Spirit
Keeper, the coyote as its animal, summer as its season, midday as its time of day, yellow and
green as its colors, and growth and trust as its Powers of the South.
Sun Bear’s Medicine Wheel states: “People born under this moon are Brown Bear people. Their plant is the Violet,
their color is Purple, their stone is the Amethyst, and their elemental clan is the Turtle Clan. They are like the bear:
strong, gentle, persevering and curious. Those who provoke or attack them, however, will find that their claws will
accurately rake any weak spots. Bear people are cool, capable creatures of habit who love work and duty, and appear
confident and courageous. They must learn to enjoy being around people and to be more sympathetic.” Virgo is their
astrological equivalent.
As customary harvest time approaches, misgivings abound about the current state of our agriculture. The news is bad
enough with this summer’s endless drought affecting farmlands across the country. Not only are crops dried and
diminished but transporting them by barge is slower and costlier due to low river water levels. We can expect less and
pricier produce because of weather conditions. Of graver concern to me is the expansion of GMOs, genetically
modified products. A recent article I read painted disturbing pictures: The number of crops that have undergone gene
manipulation has grown from corn, to soy, canola, sugar beets and cottonseed oil; altered ingredients are in about 70% of
processed foods in supermarkets, with no labels to inform consumers.
“So what?” you say. “Won’t this bio-engineering....which includes inserting bacterial DNA into plants to bolster
resistance to pests or disease….allow greater yields to feed the world and conquer hunger?” Not so fast. Despite
Monsanto ads, so far the only yield increases in the past 15 years have resulted from traditional breeding programs, not
GMO engineering, according to Plant Pathologist Don Huber of Purdue University.
“Well, there must be some GMO benefits, right?” Economist Karen McAfee at Yale investigated. What she found is
surprising….or maybe not. The nutritional value of GMO engineered crops has suffered; food safety was compromised
by toxins involved in the engineering process; and farmers’ production costs have skyrocketed. But wait. She did find a
benefit after all: to the biotechnology industry! And I would add, to the bottom line of chemical companies who make
the toxins and pesticides used in the GMO process.
Not only are there no advantages for consumers. Serious risks are associated with GMO crops, from excessive use
of chemicals accumulating in our soil, water and air, to super weeds and super pathogens that result and defeat natural
biological controls. Worse, research in the UK’s King’s College and at Leipzig University have shown links between
GMO products and increased incidences of mutations, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s, allergies, birth defects,
cancer, and the list goes on. Who knew? I suspect GMO promoters do know, but would say “There’s no proof.”
Consider also that these introduced foreign genes migrate and have damaged non-target crops. And, GMO
substances take longer to biodegrade. Those genes are picked up by soil microbes in decomposing plant residue and can
affect later crops. Like an inebriated, uninvited guest, no one knows how to get rid of such a gene once it has been let
into the plant party. No wonder some smart countries have banned the import of crops from any field where GMO
plants are grown. Compared to potential, long-lasting threats from this unnatural chemical cornucopia, severe drought is
a mere worrisome, temporary hardship.
Now chemical companies are lobbying to add yet another foreign protein to plants, and for yet another toxic chemical
to be applied directly to food and animal feed. This, while it’s still far from understood what long-term consequences
may result from today’s reckless use of GMO mechanisms. That cavalier attitude brings to mind the mid-1990s when
Benlate, a DuPont fungicide, poisoned not just pests but plants, causing disastrous million-dollar losses to farmers and
orchid growers.
What’s a responsible body to do? OCCUPY YOUR STOMACH! Don’t let anything unnatural and toxic into it!
Contact the FDA about proper food labeling. Buy organic everything when possible. Patronize local growers. Keep
informed. Voice your concerns. And keep asking, no, demanding, that lawmakers and business leaders develop some
semblance of a conscience to see the light of right stewardship.
Shine on, shine on, Harvest Moon!
Contact Jude at 727-322-6211 or [email protected]
5
Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation Update
By Chuck Scaffidi, FBG Foundation President
The next Foundation Board meeting is September 12. You may attend a board meeting as a
guest to get a better understanding of our organization and goals then hopefully you will choose
to become a board member.
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, I am always happy to have a visit in the
Volunteer Office or chat via email ([email protected]) or at 727-582-2117.
Theresa Badurek and I (Foundation) are working on a co-operative effort to support up-coming events. This is a call to
MGs and all volunteers that work in the gardens. MGs contact Theresa and other volunteers call Chuck.
Volunteers needed!! Your ideas to show case the FBG, helping to “clean-up” the gardens, and guiding tours
will be greatly appreciated. MGs follow Theresa’s Weekly digest for continuing up-dates and details.
And don't forget, planning for the “Holiday Lights in the Garden” Nov.23, 2012 through Jan.1, 2013, every
evening from 5:30pm to 9:30pm, continues and we will need many, many volunteers. FBG Foundation board members
also plan two other special events that occur during the Lights. A Gift and Plant Sale is planned for Dec. 9 from 10:00am
to 4:00pm; and a Dog Parade will be held on Dec. 29 at 1:00pm.
This year marks Pinellas County's centennial celebration and UF/IFAS Extension's celebration of 150 years of the
Land Grant University! Also, the MG Conference this year will be held in Clearwater Beach in October.
Pinellas Centennial / Extension 150th Celebration, Sept. 15th (11am-5pm) and 16th (11am-5pm)
-We need a couple of MGs who work in the Community Vegetable Demo Garden to be onsite to answer questions
and talk about the garden and growing veggies. Shifts are 11am-2pm and 2pm-5pm, and you are welcome to sign up for
all day if you like. Two MGs per shift would be ideal.
-We plan to have the Help Desk open and MGs who work the Help Desk on hand for this as well. Shifts are 11am2pm and 2pm-5pm, and you are welcome to sign up for all day if you like. Two MGs per shift would be ideal.
-We need more volunteers to staff Extension and Florida Botanical Gardens booths at the Gulf Coast Fishing
Museum (former Gulf Coast Museum site), as this will be the central location for the event. Shifts are 11am-2pm and
2pm-5pm, and you are welcome to sign up for all day if you like, again, two MGs per shift would be ideal.
-We need Master Gardener and volunteer tour guides! These would be short tours (about 30 min.) of the gardens
near the main event site- mainly the formal gardens for sake of time. If you have ever considered giving garden tours this
is a great opportunity to try it out! It could also be a great warm-up or practice run if you are interested in leading or
helping with the tour for the Master Gardener conference on Sept. 30th (Also see Page 10 first bullet)!
Touchable Textiles
The gift shop will be open Saturday and Sunday Sept. 15th and16th to participate in the Pinellas County Centennial 100th Anniversary/Extension 150th Anniversary celebrations here in the gardens. Please plan to visit us between
11am and 5pm!
I recently discovered a British-run design house based in Jaipur, India where artists still continue to use handmade
teak block carvings to stamp their textiles. A few patterns are shown here. I purchased some of these gorgeous botanical
prints created on their 100% light-as-air cotton scarves which you’ll find displayed in the gift shop. They are 15” x 72”,
the perfect length for a loop around your jacket or a generous bow attached to a tote bag. $28. On www.scarves.net
you’ll find a great tutorial on how to utilize scarves of all sizes. Wear it as a statement piece to give yourself a pop of
color or give one as a welcome girlfriend gift.
When I lived in Paris, I often saw women using
scarves attached to their bags – at hand to be
wrapped over shoulders when it was chilly on
the train or around their heads if the weather
was blustery. Amusez-vous bien! (Enjoy yourselves!)
Stacey Zidi, Gift Shop Manager
6
New Volunteer
Services Incentives
These are separate from the beach
passes being issued for 100 hours of
service from the Parks Dept. If you
have the hours required and are
interested in one of these wonderful
incentives.
Please let us know!
For MGs please let Theresa know
for all other volunteers let Chuck know.
I could not resist finding space to fit this
in the newsletter, it may look out of place,
but also being a MG I couldn't resist. Hope
you get the same humorous reaction that I
got.
Tundra in the Tampa Bay Times is one
of my favorite comic strips.-Chuck
7
We're Tweeting Up a Storm
To see what our followers are saying, click on the Twitter icon and follow a couple of simple steps. It's fun, and a
great way to keep up with FBG news between Green Leafs.
Maybe we can even get a botanical conversation going. Share gardening tips. Ask gardening questions. Tell us how
wonderful the Gardens are looking. (All "attaboys" gratefully accepted.)
Facebook Fans Share Their Gorgeous Garden Photos
When you visit the Gardens and take fabulous photos of our trees, flowers, herbs, tropical fruits,
butterflies, birds, and maybe even an alligator, please share them on our Facebook page. We’re
getting more and more fans all the time. If you haven't signed up, it’s easy to do. Use the link above
and click on the f connect symbol. Become a fan today so that you can view visitor photos and comments. You can also
share your experience at the gardens on the “Wall.”
Thanks Val Boyles
Thanks Brenda Boles
Volunteer Benefits
New Incentive for Volunteers Working for the Parks and
Conservation Resources Department!
Volunteers who work 100 hours in the department starting from October 1, 2011, may earn an annual parking pass
usable at the three beach parks where the County collects a parking fee – Sand Key Park, Howard Park and Fort De Soto
Park. The pass is registered to one vehicle license number and must be on display when parked at the beach parking. The
annual pass normally costs $75 or for seniors $55.
The volunteer must be registered with the county, report their hours worked for Parks and Conservation Resources and
request the VSP report of their hours from their Volunteer Coordinator. That report will be used as a voucher for the pass.
The pass is good for one year from the issue date. One pass per year per person may be earned.
Nancy Brown, Volunteer Program Coordinator, 582-2460
Chuck Scaffidi, FBG Volunteer Coordinator, 582-2117. For FBG VSP users I will run the report for you.
Update!!
Master Gardener Volunteers (and other Parks volunteers) are now eligible for a Seasonal Beach Parking
Permit after completing 40 hours of volunteering this fiscal year (starting October 1st) within Parks and
Conservation Resources- which includes your Master Gardener hours. This came about as a response to requests
made by some of our snowbird volunteers who have a hard time accruing the 100 hours for the annual pass in the shorter
time that they are here. If you are interested in more information about this please let me know!
8
■
Volunteer Opportunities
and Announcements
■ Education
Volunteer Opportunities and Announcements
■
■
■
■
Help Desk Urgent! Please look at the VMS help desk calendar and see
if there is a time that works for you. If you are a regular at the help desk please
be sure you are signing up to avoid scheduling confusion.
Maintenance Help Urgent! The morning of Sept.13 Bob Albanese
is organizing a gardens clean-up effort. This is a "Weed-n-Feed" event, so
there will be a work day with a pot-luck to follow. We need lots of hands!
MGs needed-MG Sally Ervin is looking for help at Loews: MGs that
would like to volunteer at the Clearwater Lowe's outreach Extension table on
Saturdays anytime from 10-2 (can be 1 hr to 4 hrs) should e-mail Sally at
[email protected]. Lowe's is located on Gulf to Bay near US19.
Master Gardener Conference- Sept. 30th- Oct. 3rd
This is also a great way to interact with other MGs from all over the state.
- Stuffing Conference Bags Sunday before the conference Sept. 30. About 10
volunteers needed to stuff the participant bags. Takes about 1.5 hours.
- Staff a welcome table at the hotel on Sunday Sept. 30th to recommend eating
options, opportunities for shopping and sites to see.
- Volunteers to help with tours acting as bus captains and resource people.
- Provide a special garden tour for those folks attending the Florida Botanical
Gardens pre-conference tour on Sept. 30th at 2pm.
Education
MG Update–Friday, Sept 7, 9am-noon. Citrus Greening, Canker,
Black Spot, and more. Our guest speaker is Jamie Burrows from the UF/
IFAS Research Center in Lake Alfred.
■ Yard Tour- Suspended for the summer. Resumes in September.
■ Earn Continuing Education Credits-Extension classes:
■
Record Your Volunteer Hours
Please Remember to Sign Out!
The computer program for
logging volunteer hours is next to
the help desk. Make this your first
stop and last stop. You must sign
in and sign out when you are at
Extension. When the computer is
not functioning you can still log
your time in the book. Those who
volunteer at other facilities should
e-mail hours after each visit.
When not at Extension, please
e-mail your hours to:
[email protected]
Direct questions to volunteer
coordinator Chuck Scaffidi or
assistant Emma Eshbaugh.
The County VSP system and
procedures applies only to
non-MG volunteers.
Please register at: http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml
MGs can earn up to four continuing education credits. Modules at:
http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/outreach/plant_id/index.shtml
One CEU can be earned by studying the plants and earning a passing score of
80% on the “Test Yourself” feature. Once a score of 80% has been reached,
print
the page and submit it to the volunteer office.
■ Palm Harbor Library MG Class Series– Free classes every
second Thursday of the month from 2:00-3:30pm and 6:15-7:45pm at the Palm
Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave. To register http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/
click the “Registration” tab and then click “Extension Service.”
■ St Petersburg Community Library MG Class SeriesFree classes offered at the main branch of the St. Pete Library located at 3745
Ninth Avenue N. To register http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/ . Click the
“Registration” tab and then click “Extension Service.”
■ “Planting Pinellas” visit blog http://plantingpinellas.blogspot.com/
■ Extension Classes and Tours-Visit Lawn & Garden - Pinellas
County Extension on-line calendar for a list of classes where most are being
offered free or at a discount to MGs, volunteers and FBGF members with a
membership card. Also, sign up for a garden tour.
Register on-line. http://pce-lawnandgarden.eventbrite.com/
Special discount offer for Rain Harvesting Workshop
9
Thank you all for all of the great work you have been doing in the gardens
and throughout the community even while I am on family leave. I have returned
part time. Please follow my weekly digest and the newsletter to learn about the
many exciting volunteer opportunities.
Theresa
Volunteer Opportunities and Education Continued
■
Volunteer opportunities are now posted on the MG VMS for you to sign up- Pinellas Centennial and
Extension’s 150th Celebration, Sept. 15th (11am-5pm) and 16th (11am-5pm)
-We need MGs who work in the Community Vegetable Demo Garden to be onsite to answer questions
and talk about the garden and growing veggies. Shifts are 11am-2pm and 2pm-5pm, and you are welcome
to sign up for all day if you like. Two MGs per shift is desirable.
-We plan to have the Help Desk open assisted by MGs who work the Help Desk. Shifts are 11am-2pm
and 2pm-5pm, and you are welcome to sign up for all day if you like. Two MGs per shift is desirable.
-We need Master Gardener and volunteer tour guides! These would be short tours (about 30 min.) of the
gardens near the main event site- mainly the formal gardens. If you have ever considered giving garden
tours this is a great opportunity to try it out! It could also be a great warm-up or practice run if you are
interested in leading the tour for the Master Gardener conference on Sept. 30th. Exact sign-up times are not
yet posted as the tour times are still to be determined.
■
The Clearwater East Library is looking for a MG speaker to present gardening programs Start times can range
from1pm-3pm to suit your schedule. Saturdays available in September and October if you like to really plan ahead!
Some of the topics they are interested in are: herb gardening, composting, and natural pest and disease control.
A new assisted living facility in the Clearwater/Dunedin area is looking for help in getting a garden club
started. This project could be as involved as you like and they are even interested in doing some therapeutic
gardening with some of the residents.
■
■
■
■
■
A science teacher at Sanderlin Elementary School is looking for an MG consultant to help her start a
native plant garden. She is interested in any kind of advice and support you can provide- even over the phone or
email if necessary.
4H needs more MG's to work with the children at the Ochs Garden. Gardening starts the first of September, 4H
has an additional layer of screening for the children's safety, so its important to sign up no. You may also contact 4H
Extension agent Jean Rogalsky at [email protected]
The City of Largo is planning a big tree giveaway in January of 2013. They are looking for a few wonderful MGs
to help hand out trees and information to citizens who register for them. The event will take place on Jan. 11 -12
and 18 - 19t, from 9am-1pm. This event is now on the MG VMS calendar for you to sign up. There will be more
details as the event takes shape!
Teacher at Country Day School - www.countrydaylargo.com - would like to start a vegetable and, possibly, a
butterfly garden for their 1st to 3rd grade students. They are a Montessori school and study botany in detail. The
students will be actively involved in both gardens and dedicate at least 45 minutes every Friday (tentatively from
1:15 to 2:00pm). They would love Master Gardener help in any way possible- from a consultation at the beginning to
weekly visits if possible.
10
Thanks to Local Nurseries, FBGF
Members and MGs Can Save $$ When
Beautifying Yards
One of the benefits of Foundation membership and being a certified Master
Gardener is getting a 10 percent discount at several local nurseries. Just present
your FBGF membership or MG card. We will continue to contact nurseries in
the area to secure additional participants. Support our friends at:
Art Stone Orchids
3611 Tyrone Blvd, St. Petersburg
727-345-6733
Country Club Nursery
9850 Starkey Road, Largo,
727-397-4438
DragonFly Garden
730 Broadway, Dunedin
727-734-4900
Earthscapes Garden Room
816 Alt. 19 N, Palm Harbor
727-786-4859
Esperanza’s Garden Center
6001 Haines Road, St. Petersburg
727-742-8499
Hawaiian Orchid Connection
Note:* (10% off all purchases)
6260 Seminole Blvd, Seminole
Hours: Tues thru Sat 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Kathy’s Korner Nursery Inc. (10% off trees)
6095 Haines Road North, St. Petersburg
727-525-9640
Jene’s Tropicals
6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
727-344-1668
Palm Harbor Nursery & Landscaping
(10% off cash and carry)
450 Riviere Road, Palm Harbor
Summerwood Gardens , Inc.
1171 Tarpon Springs Rd, Odessa
813-920-2153
Seminole Nurseries
6230 102nd Ave. N, Pinellas Park
727 545-9619
Twigs and Leaves
2131 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
727-822-5400
Willow Tree Nursery
4401 49th St. N, St. Petersburg
727-522-2594
Wilcox Nursery
12501 Indian Rocks Road, Largo
727-595-2073
Hazel’s Garden & Nursery
5063 Dartmouth Ave, St. Petersburg
727-321-4599
Sunscape Plant & Tree Nursery
4730 CR 16 St. Petersburg, FL 33709
727-347-2915
Note:* Only FBG Foundation membership applies
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Thank You, Volunteers!!
2012 September Dates to Remember
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MG Update-Friday Sept. 7, 9am-noon-Citrus Problems
Pinellas County Centennial Celebration and UF/IFAS
Extension’s 150 Year celebration-Sept 15-16
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Florida MG Continued Training Conference Tours-Sept 30
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Florida MG Continued Training Conference-Oct 1-3
http://www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/gardener Registration is now open!
MG Plant Clinic at the Palm Harbor Library –Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Master Gardeners offer diagnostic services along with information about identifying plants, treatment
for insects and ideas for Florida-Friendly landscaping.
For details on some of the events listed go to the calendar on the Pinellas County Extension Lawn & Garden
website: http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml?cmd=opencal&cal=cal6
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